Our history

London Metropolitan University has strong educational roots dating back to 1848.

London Met as you see it today was created in 2002 with the merger of London Guildhall University and the University of North London.

Read more about the events which shaped our history.

London City campus

As a student at our London City campus, you will be surrounded by the rich history of London, one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

This campus came to life in 1848 when the then Bishop of London called upon the clergy to set up evening classes to improve the ‘moral, intellectual and spiritual condition of young men in the metropolis’. The Metropolitan Evening Classes for Young Men later became the City of London College and then the City of London Polytechnic. In 1992 it was awarded university status and adopted the name London Guildhall University.

Find out more about the history and the landmarks you will walk past every day.

London North campus

Over the last hundred years our London North campus has developed into a modern, progressive centre with a strong reputation for widening access into education.

This campus began life in 1896 as the Northern Polytechnic Institute. By 1900, student numbers had doubled and later the Institute's evening degrees were recognised by the University of London.

In 1992 the Polytechnic of North London won the right to the title of University and the ability to award its own degrees.

Find out more about the history of North campus